Thursday, September 30, 2010

Davao City intensified its bid to become the country’s top eco-tourism destination as it played host to the 1st Asian Bird Fair and 6th Philippine Bird Festival that started September 24 to 26, 2010 at the Waterfront Insular Hotel.

Davao City is the first Mindanao city that hosted the two-day Philippine Bird Festival, the country’s premier avian conservation and eco-tourism event. Various cities and provinces in Luzon and Visayas, such as Puerto Princesa, Bataan, Cebu and Quezon City, already have hosted the said annual environmental event.

More than 30 foreign and local bird-watching organizations and thousands of students from all over the region participated in the event. Delegates were welcomed with a fiesta-themed dinner hosted by City Mayor Sara Duterte at Matina Town Square.

Activities, such as lectures, exhibits, film showing, workshop, story-telling, and interactive learning included in the event’s activity.

Various talks and presentations on bird-watching were also presented by the Bird Conservation Society of Thailand, Bird Conservation Nepal, Chinese Wild Bird Federation, Borneo Bird Club, World Wildlife Fund, Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network, Hornbill Research Foundation, Philippine Eagle Foundation, among others. The controversial, Oscar -winning documentary, The Cove, was also shown for the first time in the city.

The festival sought to enrich eco-tourism through bird-watching and promoted the natural and cultural heritage of its host cities. It was also a significant occasion to draw attention to critical environmental preservation issues and find a common ground in protecting the birds in the region.

The 2010 Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) National Convention was held last September 22 to 24 at the Waterfont Hotel in Cebu City, wherein the 2010 Educator’s Exhibit was also celebrated.

CEAP is a voluntary organization which operates through regional educational associations located in the 16 regions of the country. It represents the interest of Catholic educational institutions in national and international fora, fosters unity of action with other organizations in educational matters, and assists members, particularly those in mission areas, to achieve common and specific aims.

Carrying the theme “A Heart for Eden A Hand at Ecology”, the event highlighted various inspirational talks from different priests all over the country. His Excellency Most Rev. Arturo M. Bastes, SVD, D.D., Bishop of Sorsogon, delivered the thematic address. Moreover, Atty. Antonio A. Oposa Jr, 2009 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for Environmental Law, discussed the Situation of the Environment: Global and National Challenges.

In the said event, Hon. Br. Armin A. Luistro, FSC, Ph.D, Secretary of the Department of Education, and Hon. Patricia B. Licuanan, Ph D., Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education, shared special addresses on the first day.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

The Spanish Galleon Trade, especially active in the years between 1565 and 1815 during the Spanish occupation in the Philippines, is considered as probably the biggest precursor for globalization and world trade.

Just last year, in commemoration of the Galleon trade, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated Oct. 8 of every year as Dia Del Galeon (Day of the Galleon), the day in 1565 when the San Pedro Galleon, directed by Fray Urdaneta, reached Acapulco and the same day that Manila-Acapulco trade route was established. This trade route, called the “Tornaviaje” connected Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Africa and became a conduit for commerce and cultural exchange.

In this spirit, the Baler 400 Steering Committee, led by Sen. Edgardo Angara, the UNESCO International Theater Institute, and the National Commission for Culture and Arts organized the first ever International Dia Del Galeon Festival, which kicked off last Sept. 25 and will last until Oct. 8.

The three-week event was dubbed “History, Heritage, Habitat, and Language: Precursor to Globalization,” was launched in Bohol, succeeded by workshops on the arts and culture, theatrical productions, demonstrations, exhibits and performance, participated in by delegates from the Philippines and other countries with the Galleon Trade experience. A three-day international conference of scholars, historians, and artists was also held, which discussed the historical, political, economic, and cultural impact of the Galleon trade History on contemporary civilizations.

The Viaje del Galeon, a one-week educational trips in various Philippine ports of call during the Galleon Trade, covering Samar, Leyte. Cebu, Bohol, Negros, and Northern Mindanao, was the highlight of the festival, with more 250 local and foreign students tracing the galleon route in the Philippines.

Said Ms. Cecile Guidote-Alvarez, director general of Dia Del Galeon Festival, “Among the objectives of the festival are to trace its effects as a major influence in world political economy and its repercussions on present day globalization and establish its role in the development of marine sciences and other related areas aside from culture.”

Interest parties my log on to www.facebook.com/diadelgaleon.com or call Ms. Charisse Aquino-Tugade at 527-2192 local 616. For more information, contact the NCCA-Public Affairs and Information Office (PAIO) at (632) 527-5529, 527-2192 loc. 508, 612 to 615, email at ncca.paio@gmail.com, public_affairs@ncca.gov.ph or visit the NCCA website at www.ncca.gov.ph

As part of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) http://www.finex.org.ph/ FINEX Week 2010 celebration set last September 25 to October 1 with the theme “Priming for Change”, the organization held their National Conference on the last day of the said celebration at the Marriot Hotel Manila http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mnlap-manila-marriott-hotel/.

President Benigno Simeon Aquino III delivered the keynote address. Among the topics tackled in the conference were: “Balancing Act” by Department of Budget and Management http://www.dbm.gov.ph/ Secretary Florencio B. Abad; “Asia and Climate Change” by WWF Philippines http://www.wwf.org.ph/main.php chief executive officer and vice chairman Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan; “Priming the IT and IT-enabled industries in the Next Decade” by Tholons SE Asia managing director Jonathan de Luzuriaga; “Doing Business in the Philippines and Other Asian Countries” by Toyota Philippines http://www.toyota.com.ph/ president Michinobu Sugata; and “Near Term Prospects for Asian Countries” by Asian Development Bank http://www.adb.org/ managing director General Rajat Nag.

Moreover, a round table discussion on “A CFO Response to the Changes” was held and participated by the 2009 and 2008 ING-FINEX CFO of the Year Jose Sio, EVP-CFO of SM Investments Corporation http://www.sminvestments.com/smic/index.php?p=248, and Sherisa Nuesa, CFO of Integrated MicroElectronics Inc. http://www.imiphil.com/news.html, respectively, and the Singapore CFO of Del Monte Pacific Ltd. http://www.delmontepacific.com/Website/index.html

Friday, September 24, 2010

The 31st biennial chapter convention of the Philippine Red Cross Manila Chapter http://www.redcross.org.ph/ was held last September 24-25, at the Manila Pavilion Hotel, which highlights the election of new members of the Board of Directors for the term 2010-2014.

Mr. Cristino Naguiat, president of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and Supreme Court Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales were the guest speakers of the convention.

Registration for delegates, alternate delegates, guests, and volunteers took place at the Philippine Red Cross Manila Chapter Building on Gen Luna corner Victoria Sts., Intramuros Manila on September 24.

The Grand Family Association of the Philippines-Youth Group (GFAPY) opens the Mooncake Party this Sept. 26 to all unmarried Chinese youths from 18 to 40 years old. As part of the Mooncake Festive Celebration, this annual tradition and major event will be held from 1-5 p.m. at 14th floor of Tytana Building, Binondo, Manila.

Ticket price is P350 per head. Snack buffet will be served by Aurea Sky all throughout the event. Only limited slots offered. Interested guests can register at the link found on their Faceboook page. Simply search for "Grand Family Association of the Philippines - (Youth) - Mooncake Party (2010)."

Non-members do not need to make an account to fill up the registration form. Just fill out the required field and click submit. For those who are already registered, you can claim your tickets at the Grand Family Association Office, 14th floor, Tytana Bldg. Binondo, Manila and look for Aaron Lim, Elaine Lim, or Corhiza Lagamayo.

For more information, contact Grand Family Association of the Philippines-Youth Group at (632) 241-0057, 241-0068 or email gfayphils@yahoo.com.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Primetrade Asia Inc., showcased three events in four consecutive days at the SMX Convention Center last September 16-19.

The first event is the Job Fest Career Fair 2010 presented in cooperation with Jobsdb.com, Studio 23, and the Manila Bulletin. The Career Fair opened September 16 and concluded with hundreds of jobs provided on the second day.

Meanwhile, the second event is in partnership with Maximus Inventus and Promil Nurture Network which set foot from September 17 to 18. Super Kids 2010 aims to support creative learning and champion minds to excel in their chosen endeavor. The event was supported by Johnson’s Pure Essentials, Johnson’s Baby, Junior, and the Manila Bulletin.

The last event, moreover, is an extravagant anime expo entitled The Best of Anime 2010, which was conducted in cooperation with Hero. The event showcased the best of anime movies, trends, and costumes on its one-day event last September 19. Tie-Up organizers of the said event include Japan Foundation, Cosplay.ph, Creativoices, and Society of Young Voice Artists of the Philippines (SYVAP). Sponsors of the successful expo were MSI-ECS, Suspended Animation Media, Yoshinoya, Netopia, GAME, ClicktheCity, Tempest Films, and the Manila Bulletin.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Women Deliver Philippines, the country's first-ever localization of the global initiative that started in London, brought to spotlight the tragic deaths of women during pregnancy and childbirth, and of newborns dying during their first month of life to mobilize investment for the improvement of maternal and newborn health. “Women Deliver Philippines,” held from Sept 15 to 17, 2010, gathered 365 participants from around the country and the world, from 205 agencies, and drew 106 resource persons. They spoke on a wide range of issues from young people’s access to sexual and reproductive health services to the role of midwives; from maternal mortality and human rights to interfaith initiatives on safe motherhood; from investing financial, material and human resources toward attaining MDGs 4 and 5 to exercising effective leadership and country commitment to meeting these same goals.

Speakers from government, private and civil society organizations, including regional development leaders, gathered for the conference, to generate political commitment, and share solutions that can prevent maternal and newborn deaths and disabilities.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona delivered a keynote speech on the formal opening of the conference, which was attended by dignitaries from the Australian government, the European Union (EU) and the UN – led by UN Resident Coordinator Jacqueline Badcock and UNFPA Regional Director Nobuko Horibe. Ona acknowledged that the solutions needed to improve maternal health and newborn survival “do not involve rocket science,” although he acknowledged that these “require political commitment at the highest levels.”

Closing the conference, Health Undersecretary Mario Villaverde hailed Women Deliver as “timely, hopeful and relevant,” reminding everyone that “maternal health is preventable” and that in the effort to prevent mothers dying from pregnancy and childbirth, “there are no outsiders, only partners.” The national government’s commitment to promoting reproductive health was further underscored by Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, a resource person at the last plenary discussion. The Aquino administration, she said, was committed to “promoting responsible parenthood, which includes providing information on all forms of family planning methods. “Choice and access,” said Soliman, constituted the keystone of the Aquino government’s policy, reiterating the administration’s support for the pending reproductive health bills, an announcement that was met with applause by the audience.

Women Deliver Philippines was organized by the Department of Health, the UN and Likhaan Center for Women’s Health with support from the EU. Dr. Junice Melgar, executive director of the NGO Likhaan which headed the conference secretariat, said one of the conference goals was to “re-energize” the reproductive health community in its efforts to save the lives of women and children.

The first global Women Deliver conference was held in London in 2007 to mark the 20th year of the Safe Motherhood Initiative (SMI) launched in 1987 seeking to address the tragedy of half-a-million women dying during pregnancy and childbirth. The second Women Deliver conference was held in Washington, DC in 2010.

For further information regarding the event, contact Likhaan Center for Women’s Health at 632) 926-6230 or e-mail office@likhaan.org or visit the website http://www.womendeliver.org.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

THE Center for Bulacan Studies of the Bulacan State University (CBS BSU) with the Philippine Historical Association (PHA), National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), and University of the Philippine Lipunang Pangkasaysayan (UP LIKAS) held the National Conference on the Anniversary of the First Philippine Congress with a theme “IMAHEnasyon: Ang Paghiraya sa Nasyon at Bayan ng Congreso Filipino 1898” last September 14, 2010 at the Bulacan State University Hostel and Function Hall, City of Malolos, Bulacan.

The theme concentrated on the imagined nation and state through the ideas and concepts of the front runners of the freedom and nationhood – from Bonifacio’s 1896 Katipunan to the Aguinaldo-inspired 1898 Congreso Filipino.

Also, a side lecture was delivered by Isagani B. Giron, president emeritus of SAMPAKA and consulant of the BSU CBS, Si Heneral Miong at ang mga taga-Malolos; as well as other topics by other reactors such as the legendary cat in the Barasoain Church seen in the ten-peso bill and the petition to bring back the Barasoain’s image in any monetary bill of the Republic.

“Among our regular activities and programs, this one is unique because for the first time we are given the chance to co-work with the PHA, NHCP and UP LIKAS which are considered authorities and experts in the Philippine historiography.” Dr. Agnes Crisostomo, director of BSU CBS said.

This national conference was made free to the public, but with limited reservations set to 200 only. It was endorsed by the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education to all the schools and other academic institutions in the country and supported by the Provincial Government of Bulacan and the City Government of Malolos.

The activity was proudly part of the Province’s celebration of Singkaban Fiesta: Buwan ng Bulacan which started last August 15 until September 15.

For more information, contact Ian Christopher Alfonso at 0916-475-2140 or e-mail through ianalfonso7@gmail.com, and Roy Devesa II at 0906-579-6378 or e-mail through roy.carpio.devesa@gmail.com. Interested parties can also get in touch with the PHA Public Relations Office at (63906) 202-0274.

Tribal Gear Philippines presents Dutdutan X, the country’s biggest and grandest annual tattoo exposition on Sept. 24 and 25 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. The ultimate tattoo event will once again create history to celebrate 10 years of art and ink.

Tribal Gear sets the bar even higher at this year’s event where the finest tattoo artists, enthusiasts and supporters will huddle to meet, compete, get inked and marvel in skin artistry at its best. Once again, Tribal Gear gathers not only the country’s best tattoo artists, but also acclaimed inkers from all over the world. Participants from France, Guam, Singapore and Korea are flying in.

Guests from Tribal Gear San Diego, California, representing Tribal’s West Coast lifestyle, where tattoo is very much a part of one’s existence, are also coming. Bobby Ruiz, founder/owner of Tribal Gear, Wuv, drummer of POD and OG Abel, street/graffiti artist, Franco Vescovi, renowned inker and Willie T., multimedia artist, will be celebrating art and ink with local counterpart.

Tribal Gear, the lifestyle brand that represents the hardcore, underground and alternative street scenes, continues to live up to its roots with Dutdutan X.

Dutdutan X’s highlights include exhibition fights of professional URCC (Universal Reality Combat Championship) fighters, Tribal Gear’s sizzling Bikini Open contest, a music fest featuring many of our hottest local bands and crews, and a new addition to grab the spotlight is the Drum Duel — a search for the best amateur drummer in town.

Monday, September 20, 2010

With the rise of electronic books, e-readers, and the magnitude of information available on the Internet, fears have arisen that the old-fashioned book might go permanently out of style.

To address this, members of the local publishing industry came together on September 13 and 14 for the country’s first Philippine Digital Publishing Conference at the UP-Ayala Technohub. Entitled “the Future of the Book,” the two-day series of talks covered the changing landscape of publishing, the rise of e-books, and how Filipino readers, writers and publishers can make the best of these changes.

Sponsoring the conference were the National Book Development Board (NBDB), Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP), Filipinas Heritage Library, and Vibal Foundation, Inc.

An exhibit right outside the session hall also featured the evolution of e-readers through the years, from readers on the laptop, up until the recently-released Apple iPad.

Keynote speaker and BDAP president Lirio Sandoval said, “The public and private sector of the Philippine book industry are very much concerned about the future of the book industry in this digital generation, and it affects publishers, book sellers and readers alike.”

“This conference is the latest in many such conferences around the world, asking what the future might hold for [books and traditional publishing],” he said. “Some say the digital age will be the end of the book, others say it will be another chapter in the long and illustrious history of the book.”

For further information, contact Vibal Foundation at (632) 712-9156 to 59 loc 343 to 344, fax (632) 416-8460 or visit their website at www.vibalfoundation.org.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

The 19th Mindanao Business Conference (MiniBizCon) kicked off in Cagayan De Oro City, known to as the economic hub of Northern Mindanao.

This year’s MiniBizCon with the theme, “One. Global. Mindanao. Maximizing Potentials,” is held last September 17-18 at the Atrium in Limketai Center, Cagayan de Oro City. With the supervision of Mr. Ralph Paguio, president of the event’s host organization, the Cagayan De Oro Chamber Commerce and Industry Foundation, the event serves as the premier venue for showcasing Mindanao’s investment opportunities, and also linking its business community with investors and buyers to share practices in economic development, raising a more competitive business environment.

The program includes four plenary sessions supporting Mindanao’s winners. In the sessions the organization highlighted the key products of each sub-region. Hand-in-hand with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Cagayan de Oro City Government, USAID’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao Program, the Mindanao Development Authority, and other partners made the business gathering a hit.

The Association of CPAs in commerce and Industry held the annual national convention last September 16-18, 2010 at the Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel in Laoag City.

With the theme “Crossing borders” the event was held in the Ilocos region after conducting the annual event in Baguio City for the past eight years. ACPACI past president and chair of this year’s convention said the changing of venue provides a perfect backdrop for the technical discussions, most of which tackles he changing roles of the CPAs plus it is in line with the organization and the convention’s theme.

The opening plenary was keynoted by Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos and followed by notable speakers who handled the technical sessions. Few of the speakers were Atty. Ma. Gracia Casals-Diaz; General Accountant, Office of the General Accountant, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms. Lilian Lansangan; Head of Specialists Advisory Services Division of Punongbayan and Araullo, Dr. Violeta Villaroman-Bautista; Executive Director of Care and Counsel Wholeness Center and professor at the University of the Philippines, and Atty. Jules Riego.

The convention aims to update the participants with the latest developments in their profession, and be able to face and address the challenges and issues aligned with it.

The Asia Food Expo 2010, the 19th International Exposition on Food-Processing, Packaging, and Handling Machinery, Equipment and Technology, was held in conjunction with Food Serv Asia 2010, the 10th International Exposition on Food Service, Catering Systems, Supplies, and Equipment and Technology, and Bakery Asia 2010, an International Exposition on Bakery and Confectionery Systems, Supplies and Equipment last September 8 – 11, 2010.

AsiaFood Expo is the most celebrated event in the Food & Beverage Industry. It has proven to be the best source of manufacturing investors’ sectors where processing and packaging for new technology in Handling Machinery Equipment and Technology can only be found.

Friday, September 17, 2010

The University of the Philippines Department of English and Comparative Literature (UP DECL) and the British Council presented the UP-DECL Centennial and 2nd Access Philippine International English Language Conference held from 16 to 17 September 2010 at the SMEX, SM Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Philippines.

This year’s event gathered together more or less than 1,000 ELT professionals, education policy experts, representatives of international bodies, and decision makers all over the world. The conference provided a rare opportunity for ELT professionals and teachers to be included in the conference program and present themselves in front of an international audience. Also it gave way for participants to network with the diverse international audience.

There were four plenary delivered by international experts during the conference. Topics for the plenary sessions include: Philippine English in Philippine Movies: Implications of Language Use for ELT, Using Games In the Language Classroom, Teaching Reading In Large Multicultural Classes, Enjoying Reading Through ICT-Mediated Activities and so on. The Conference was attended by keynoted speakers like Mr. David Graddol; a British applied linguist, a well known writer, broadcaster, researcher and consultant on issues relating the global English, Ms. Suzanne Romaine; Merton Professor of English Language, University Of Oxford, Ms. Mina Patel; ELT consultant, Trainer Trainer, Teacher Trainer, and author,and Mr. Andy Kirkpatrick; Chair Professor of English as an International Language at Hong Kong Institute of Education and Director of the Institute’s Research Centre into Language Education and Acquisition in Multilingual Societies.

For more information, contact: UP Department of English and Comparative Literature Tel No. 981 8500. British Council Tel No. 914 1011

Thursday, September 16, 2010

The Subdivision and Housing Developers Association Inc. http://yourpinoybroker.com/subdivision-and-housing-developers-association-inc/ (SHDA) in partnership with the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council http://www.hudcc.gov.ph/ (HUDCC) presented the 2010 SHDA-HUDCC National Developers Convention last September 16 to 17 at the L’Fisher Hotel http://www.lfisherhotelbacolod.com/ in Bacolod City.

With the theme “The Housing Agenda in a New Era of Sustained Growth”, the event was participated by member, non-members, and other allies of the industry. Moreover, the convention has showcased a long list of opportunities for realty business enthusiasts and a wide-range of choices for those who are interested in owning a real property. It specifically highlighted the rapid changes and opportunities of the realty industry in the new years to come.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Primetrade Asia, Inc. http://www.primetradeasia.com/ in cooperation with Asian Catholic Communicators Inc. http://catholiccommunicators.blogspot.com/, Book Development Association of the Philippines http://www.bdap.com.ph/, Philippine Booksellers Association Inc., and Publishers Representatives Organization of the Philippines proudly presented the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) last September 15-19 at the SMX Convention Center http://www.smxconventioncenter.com/smx/index.php?p=1395.

The biggest and longest running book fair in the Philippines is celebrating its 31st year of providing a one-stop shop for local and foreign publishers, wholesalers, retailers, book lovers, collectors, librarians, authors, and publisher’s representatives.

The fair featured book launches, dialog with readers and other book-related activities. Moreover, students take advantage of books at prices lower than in bookstores, while teachers and school administrators get the best prices for bulk purchases. Kids, on the other hand, enjoyed story-telling sessions, puppet shows, reading-related contests, robotic demonstrations, parade of exhibitors’ mascots and cosplay (costume play) of their favorite book characters.

Last September 10-12, 2010 various cosmetics company participated in the said event, like: Aromatherapy, Baby care, Cosmetic Care Products, Fitness Club, Foot care, Health and Wellness, Household Care Products, Male Grooming, Men Accessories and Cosmetic Products, Market novelties, Nail and hair care accessories, Packaging, Perfumery, Salon services and equipment, Slimming Equipment, Spa products and Other Allied Industries and Services. The occasion with the theme “A gathering of world class personal care products and services in the country!” was flocked by an estimated Wholesalers, Buyers, Distributors, Importers, Retailers, Manufacturers, Technologists, Marketing people, Beauty industry professionals, Designers, Research agencies, Trade press and others. Mai Market Access & Innovations Management Philippines headed by Ms, Angela Barrios came up with delightful ideas of putting up an Expo, giving lectures or seminars, free make-over for the exhibit-goers, and the high light for the fair were the Fashion Show and the Beauty Contest.

Food and Drinks Asia 2010, the 14th International Exposition on Specialty Foods, Delicatessen, Confectionery, Beverages, Beers, and Wines and Spirits, held last September 2 to 5 in conjunction with Food Franchising 2010, the 14th International Food Franchising and Business Systems Exposition.

Food and Drinks is an international exposition of local and imported foods, delicatessen, fruit preserves, juices and concentrates, specialty foods, pasta and noodles, milk and dairy products, food additives and mixtures, flavorings, spices and condiments, chocolates and confectionery items, wines and liquors, fruit juices, canned and frozen meat products, fresh fruits and vegetables among others.

Friday, September 10, 2010

The 3rd Pinoy Aquatic Fair staged last September 10 to 12 at the AANI http://www.aaniphil.net/ Herbal Garden and Livelihood Center at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City.

Like any other fair, Pinoy Aquatic Fair showcased fisheries products and services from the booths of private and government entrepreneurs, and sell fisheries products as well.

Moreover, the event offered free lectures on different topics which include discussions on innovative technologies in mariculture, aquasilviculture, and fish feed formulation. A free consultation on the production of shrimps, tilapia, bangus, shellfishes, crabs, sea cucumber, abalone, scallops, sea urchins, seaweeds, and lapu-lapu was also conducted.

Featuring the latest developments in fisheries and relates products, the event was presented and organized by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) http://www.bfar.da.gov.ph/ and the Agri-Aqua Network International (AANI). This year’s theme focused on sustainable fish farming and aims to promote aquaculture and mariculture to increase local food production and to create jobs and new opportunities in the fisheries sector.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

The “Amazing Raise”, Philippines’ biennial and biggest gathering of non-profit fundraiser was held last September 8 and 9, 2010 from 8am to 5pm on both days at the Gateway Suites, 4th floor Gateway Mall, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City.

The two-day congress with a registration fee of P6,500 which already includes the congress kit and meals and snacks was organized by Venture for Fundraising it aims to provide fundraisers with more effective tools during challenging times and economic crisis. The event was attended by more or less 200 Non-Government Organizations who all lined up for four plenary sessions and nine breakout sessions on online marketing direct mail, grants, corporate fundraising, emergency appeals, major gifts, special events, social enterprise, etc. Other than that, the congress also featured exhibit booths of fundraising needs products and service suppliers. The Kyra Awards, the most prestigious fundraising award-giving body was also held at the end of the congress. Plaques and cash prizes up to P75,000 were given to the country’s best fundraising teams.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Alay Lakad Foundation Inc. (ALFI) celebrated the 38th year of Alay Lakad para sa Kabataan last September 5, at the Rizal Park hosted by this year’s civic organization Rotary Club International , District 3810 http://www.rotary3810.org/, led by District Governor Tranquil Salvador III, overall chairman if the National Coordinating Committee for Walk 2010.

The annual Alay-Lakad is the signature fund-raising project of the foundation to continue its aim to support the out-of-school youths in th country. ALFI President Frank Evaristo said that this year’s theme, “Hakbang sa Pagbabago, Alay sa Kabataang Pilipino”, highlighted the foundation’s hope that the nation would be aware of the plight of out-of-school youth who are the beneficiaries of Alay Lakad and support efforts to help them have a better life.

Moreover, this event is held by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 168. It was participated by high government officials, civic leaders, and business groups together with President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Proceeds of the campaign benefited the country’s out-of-school youth population through educational assistance and skills training and livelihood programs. To date, Alay-Lakad has assisted more than 50,000 out-of-school youths nationwide.

It is not only for weight loss, perspiration, and fun. On September 12, 2010, for the first time, the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) will hold its 1st FINEX Fun Run for a great cause.

Happening at the SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City, this fun race for all races - families, group of friends, youngsters and elderly, celebrities, athletes, sports enthusiasts, will give its proceeds to the Marillac Hills Center for Abused Children, the Laura Vicuna Foundation, ChildHaus, Bahay Mapagmahal, and Habitat for Humanity. Surely, every delegate will not just be a great part of the event's success but will also be an early present to all their beneficiaries.

The marathon will have races types such as three-kilometer, five-kilometer, and ten-kilometer run. Registration fees will be at P300, P400, and P500 respectively. Registration areas for the event will be at the Chris Sports.

1st FINEX Fun Run is in cooperation with the Habitat for Humanity Philippines. For more information on the event or registration, visit www.finex.org.ph or look for Mike Vinluan at 811-4052, 811-4189, or 811-4188.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Asean Centre for Biodiversity http://www.aseanbiodiversity.org/ in collaboration with Macrunners Sports Inc http://macrunners.multiply.com/?&show_interstitial=1&u= presented the BioDiversity Run 2010 at the Forestry Campus, University of the Philippines-Los Banos http://www.uplb.edu.ph/ in Laguna last September 4 with the theme “Run for Biodiversity, Biodiversity is Life, Run for Life.”

This run for a cause was held in partnership with the University of the Philippines—Los Banos, the Business Mirror http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/, ptt http://www.pttphils.com/, eksalife http://www.eksalife.com/, Ford http://www.ford.com.ph/, Mazda, Unilever http://www.unilever.com/, Cebuana Lhuilier http://www.cebuanalhuillier.com/, Prudential Life http://www.prudentialife.com/, and 2Go, and the race categories were set to 5km, 10km, and 21km. Aspiring volunteers and participants had the registration period last July 1 to August 31 of this year.

Biodiversity Run 2010 is a run for a cause of the International Year of Biodiversity 2010, where proceeds go to the ASEAN Biodiversity Fund. Moreover, this event showcased an excellent excitement of an advocacy race that promotes the rich biodiversity of the Makiling Forest, physical fitness, and mental well-being, ecological awareness and enhancement of local tourism.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

108 wholesale travel agents from six continents came over the country to forge deals with diverse sectors of the local tourism industry, in this year’s 10th Philippine Travel Exchange (Phitex 2010) last September 2, 2010 at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel.

Large representations from China, Japan, Korea, the Asia-Pacific, India, Middle East, Europe and North America, made business with over 194 local sellers. The government -supported marketing affair aims to link foreign wholesale buyers and local sellers of tourism services and products in a day of one-on-one business meeting, done through a number of pre-scheduled appointments for each delegate.

Cooperating the event are airlines, travel agencies, hotel and resorts, incentive and congress organizers, transport firms, and convention facilities. With the theme “Awesome Philippines, Awesome Sceneries, Awesome Activities, Awesome Experience,” Phitex 2010 highlights a welcome dinner for the participants, visit to the country’s top tourist destinations like Cebu, Bohol, Bicol, Palawan, Subic, Clark and Ilocos. The buyers got the chance to sample these local destinations with the familiarization programs all organized by the Department of Tourism with the support of Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila, Philippine Airlines, Philtoa and Manila Hotel.

Over 100 participants from the country’s top Universities gathered for this year’s Novartis Biotechnology Leadership Camp at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) in Makati City.

Entrepreneurial graduate and post graduate students in natural sciences who are interested in pursuing careers in biotechnology joined the said event. BioCamp is a pioneering biotechnology workshop which started since 2007 and is organized by research-based Swiss healthcare company Novartis partnered with the Department of Science and Technology, Intellectual Property Philippines and Hybridigm Consulting , where students learn the latest trends in biotechnology from distinguished Filipino scientists, academicians and biotech entrepreneurs.

This year’s local BioCamp was attended by participants from the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, University of Santo Tomas, St. Lukes College of Medicine, De La Salle University and Far Eastern University. Postgraduate students and graduates in the field of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Chemistry, Medical Technology, Pharmacy, Medicine, Biology, Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry were the attending participants.

After the Local BioCamp, two students were selected to represent the Philippines in the International BioCamp held from August 30 to September 2, 2010 at the Novartis International Headquarters in Basel, Switzerland. The selections of the representatives are based on academic excellence and professional focus. All travel and accommodation expense are shouldered by Novartis.

The Local and International BioCamps are designed to give participants the tools they need in starting their own biotechnology company, it also provide participants with the opportunity to work together. Learn and network with other students.